I'm due to start my RT on 11th Feb, and when I was speaking to my oncologist yesterday evening I asked him about the use of SpaceOAR gel, a "spacer" which is injected between the prostate and the bowel to reduce the chance of long-term radiation damage to the bowel. He said that the hospital I'm having my treatment at (Clatterbridge Cancer Centre on the Wirral) didn't currently use it, although they were considering doing so soon. He said, though, that he thought it was a useful treatment and that he'd be happy to arrange for me to have it elsewhere if I wanted to.
I've contacted my insurance company this morning (I have private medical insurance through my work), and somewhat to my surprise they've said they'd be happy to cover the cost of the procedure, so the way is open for me to have it if I want to.
I was wondering what peoples' thoughts were on this. Has anyone had it done? How "major" a procedure is it? Any side-effects?
Any opinions would be very welcome!
Cheers,
Chris